[A/S] Red Cross Volunteering

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I never met the guy who is the nominal head of Airstream
> Angels or heard from him after I took the classes. My guess
> is that he took on something and hasn't followed through.
> But it is important to take the classes so that we are not a
> total innocent about how stuff works.

The problem with guessing is similar to the problem with assuming and 
we all know how to spell ass u me.

Dr. Bert Kalet and his wife Dot are the Airstream family who were 
instrumental in creating the Airstream Angels. They are Veterinarians 
with a practice in Winston Salem, NC.  Each year, at the WBCCI 
International, they offer free veterinarian service to pet owners.

Bob Cooke is also involved with training for Airstreamers. He has 
repeatedly told us that having a Red Cross Chapter affiliation can make 
us more effective as an Angel. Also, he has written articles in the 
WBCCI Full Timers Club newsletter pointing out that the Red Cross 
Chapters in San Bernardino, CA and Houston, TX are amenable to the full 
timer's lifestyle membership.

To date, there are approximately 70 Airstream owners who have completed 
the training program.  Everyone in that group who wants to become 
actively involved in Red Cross volunteering knows how to position 
themselves for being called upon when needed.

Before the last International, ten courses were identified as being 
available through the local ARC Chapter in Springfield, MO. 
Airstreamers were asked to pick ones they would like to take and 
arrangements were made for the most requested classes.

If anyone were to ask me what they should do to volunteer in New 
Orleans, I'd encourage them to contact their local Red Cross Chapter, 
complete the necessary courses (as identified by that Chapter) and work 
out a viable plan.

The catastrophic remnants of Hurricane Katrina will last longer than a 
month. INHO, there is more than sufficient time to complete the 
required training and make the needed contacts for being assigned to a 
job as a Red Cross Volunteer.

I'm sure more can be written on this topic,

Terry